My older sister told me that when you get your first period, it hurts a lot--now I'm really scared! Will my first period be really painful?

You probably won’t feel much of anything. According to Dr. Paula Hillard, director of women’s health at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, most girls don’t have much (or any) pain with their periods—especially their first.

If you do experience some pain or cramping, Dr. Hillard recommends taking ibuprofen (Advil or Nuprin) or naproxen (Aleve). If these medicines don’t do the trick and you’re still writhing in agony, missing school or changing holiday plans, you should definitely see your pediatrician or gynecologist.